Tonight we will hear the melody of Kol Nidre, the opening notes of which remind us instantly of the solemnity of the day. We stand in community, reflect on the year that has passed, set our intentions for the year to come, and vow to do better.
What a year we have had; filled with challenges which we could not have anticipated last year at this time. For so many reasons, Yom Kippur feels particularly urgent and important to me this year, just a few days after our solemn observance of the one year anniversary of October 7.
It is a tremendous honor for us—the clergy, educators, administration, staff, and lay-leadership of Stephen Wise Temple and Schools—to be able to help our community observe this moment. We are grateful to YOU for allowing us this great kavod.
More than anything else, we want you to be present with us this Yom Kippur. If you are able to make it up to our Bel Air campus in person, please make every effort to do so. We understand that with traffic, parking, and enhanced security you’ll need to give yourself extra time and there might be a few minor frustrations along the way. But we think (and we hope you’ll agree) that it’s really important to be together and that you will find the effort more than worth it. (Of course, if you are unable to attend in person, please do join us online.)
A few gentle reminders:
Please be patient, understanding, and respectful of our staff, including our security officers, shuttle drivers, parking attendants, and ushers—they are here for your security, well-being, and to ensure a meaningful, safe, and inspiring experience for everyone. Please follow their instructions at all times.
Please make sure that you have your photo ID with you along with your High Holy Days tickets.
Please remember to silence your cell phones and, preferably, keep them well-away throughout the day to avoid any distractions for yourself or others.
We love welcoming your children to our tot and family services as well as our Days of Awesome programming. We have designed these experiences with your family in mind so that all ages might be inspired by the music, the worship, and the stories. Upper elementary age children and teens are welcome to attend adult services. Make sure that your children sit with you in family and tot services and are under your supervision at all times. This will ensure everyone’s safety and allow others to more fully focus on our worship.
It is a custom for grown-ups (men and women of bar/bat mitzvah age and up) to wear a tallit on Erev Yom Kippur during our Kol Nidrei service. If this is your personal custom, please remember to bring your tallit with you to our evening services. You are also of course invited to wear a tallit for our Yom Kippur day services as well.
I look forward to being with you in person (or online) this evening as we stand as a community together in worship and in hope.
G’mar Hatimah Tovah—may you and your loved ones be inscribed for blessing in the Book of Life,
—Rabbi Yoshi